The Gem of the Orient

The Gem of the Orient is the most expensive knife in the world.

Buster Warenski, an American knifemaker noted for his "art knives" that frequently used pricey materials such as gold and emeralds, designed the Gem of the Orient. The Gem of the Orient, an elaborate work using over 150 emeralds, nine diamonds, gold, and jade, and having a magnificent handle fashioned of jade with gold filigree, was one of his final big designs. The knife is one of Buster's Legacy Knives, a collection of blades considered his signature work.

The stunning piece took no less than ten years to build and was just auctioned off for $2.1 million. Almost all of Buster Warenski's Legacy Knives had sole authorship, which means Buster created them entirely on his own.

Estimated Value: $1.5 – $2.1 million
Origin: The U.S.A.
Time Period: 20th century